Ireland kept their hopes of qualifying for the ICC Intercontinental Cup final alive by securing a six-wicket win over Canada in Toronto.

After dominating the early stages of the match, which saw them dismiss Canada for 120 and rack up 261 for nine declared in reply, they were forced onto the back foot as the home side scored 316 in their second innings.

That set up a potentially tricky run chase, which was eventually safely negotiated and the match closed out with Ireland on 176 for four in their second innings.

Trent Johnston returned five for 23 as Canada's first innings lasted just 32 overs and half-centuries from Andrew White (84) and Kevin O'Brien (57) handed Ireland a substantial lead. Henry Osinde proved the pick of the Canada bowlers by a distance as he returned five for 68.

Canada then rallied and got themselves back into the game thanks to half-centuries from Ashish Bagai (90), Zubin Sarkari (72) and Khurram Chohan, whose 59 in 177 balls came from number ten in the order and helped Canada put on 121 runs for the ninth wicket.

O'Brien finished with figures of five for 39 and Andre Botha three for 25 to prevent Canada pushing too far ahead.

Although Ireland then slipped to 41 for two and 90 for three in the final innings of the match, they were steered to safety by Botha's 61 and White's unbeaten 59, which earned him the man-of-the-match award.